Palm-side tendon injury · hand surgery Manchester
Flexor Tendon Repair Surgery in Manchester
Repair of a cut or torn flexor tendon to restore finger or thumb bending, followed by protected rehabilitation to balance healing and glide.
Diagnosis first Confirm the targetAlternatives compared Surgery is not automaticRecovery planned Protection and rehabilitation
07/ 19
Tendon & finger proceduresFlexor Tendon Repair
What the procedure treats
A precise procedure needs a precise diagnosis.
Repair of a cut or torn flexor tendon to restore finger or thumb bending, followed by protected rehabilitation to balance healing and glide.
ImportantThis guide explains a general surgical pathway. The exact technique and whether it is offered in a particular clinic or hospital require confirmation with Dr. Arshad.
Common treatment targets
- Loss of finger or thumb bending after a cut
- Open flexor tendon injury
- Selected tendon rupture or failed previous repair
When surgery may be considered
Move from symptoms to a reasoned decision.
Surgery should have a clear target, a realistic expected benefit and a recovery plan that fits the patient.
Decision frameworkSymptoms → Examination → Tests → Options
- 01The tendon ends are divided or cannot function
- 02Associated nerve, vessel or fracture injury needs assessment
- 03Timely repair offers the best chance of useful movement
Alternatives and preparation
Compare what can be tried before surgery.
Some conditions need urgent repair; others allow time to compare protection, therapy, injection, observation or a different operation.
Wound care and observation when tendon continuity is intact
Later reconstruction when primary repair is not possible
Bring to consultationScans · nerve tests · medication list · prior injections · therapy reports · work and sport goals
Plan your assessment ↗Inside the procedure
Flexor Tendon Repair: the key stages.
The operative details vary, but the purpose and protection strategy should be clear before surgery.
The wound and injured structures are explored.
The tendon ends are repaired with strong sutures; associated injuries may also be treated.
A protective splint and controlled therapy programme follow.
Anaesthetic and procedure day
A clear plan from arrival to discharge.
Local, regional or general anaesthesia may be used. Many hand procedures do not require an overnight stay, but complexity, injury and health factors can change the plan.
Before
Medication, fasting and transport instructions.
During
Anaesthesia, positioning and the agreed procedure.
After
Dressings, pain control, splinting and warning signs.
Recovery pathway
Protect healing, restore movement, then rebuild load.
These are stages, not promises of a fixed date. The surgeon and hand therapist adjust progression to the repair and response.
Protect the repair in a splint
Begin surgeon-directed controlled motion
Progress tendon glide and range
Strengthening starts only after adequate healing
Recovery questions to answerWound care · swelling · splint · therapy · work · driving · gym · sport · travel
Benefits, limits and risks
Make an informed choice—not a rushed one.
The risk profile depends on the diagnosis, procedure, health and previous treatment. Dr. Arshad will discuss the risks that matter for your case.
Possible considerations
- Tendon rupture
- Adhesion and stiffness
- Need for tenolysis or reconstruction
- Infection or associated nerve symptoms
4.96/555 verified reviewsWhy consult Dr. Arshad
Specialist hand and wrist assessment before committing to surgery.
Fellowship-trained consultant orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon, UK specialist training, more than 17 years in orthopaedic surgery, with consultations in Manchester and across the UK, and at Healthpoint Abu Dhabi.
Confirm the diagnosisCompare surgical and non-surgical optionsPlan rehabilitation around work and function
Meet Dr. Arshad ↗Related procedure guides
Explore the same treatment family.
Related procedures may treat a different anatomical level or a different stage of the same problem.
Questions patients ask
Flexor Tendon Repair FAQs.
General guidance only. The final procedure, hospital setting and recovery plan require individual clinical assessment.
Why might flexor tendon repair be recommended?+
It may be discussed when the diagnosis is clear, symptoms or structural damage remain significant, and the expected benefit is greater than suitable alternatives.
What anaesthetic is used?+
Local, regional or general anaesthesia may be used depending on the procedure, patient health, preference and hospital setting. The exact plan is confirmed before surgery.
Will I go home the same day?+
Many hand and wrist procedures are performed without an overnight stay, but this is not universal. Injury complexity, anaesthetic and health factors can change the plan.
How long is recovery?+
Wound healing, tissue healing, movement, strength and nerve recovery occur on different timelines. Your procedure-specific restrictions and goals determine the plan.
Could symptoms remain after surgery?+
Yes. Longstanding nerve or joint damage, stiffness, scar sensitivity, incomplete healing or another pain source can limit recovery. Expectations should be discussed before surgery.
Patient education referenceAAOS: Flexor Tendon Injuries
View source ↗Hand surgery Manchester · UK & UK availability
Need to know whether flexor tendon repair is right for you?
Book a specialist consultation and bring previous reports, scans, nerve tests and treatment information.